Overcoming Self-Doubt

As we move through the chapters of our lives, it’s essential to learn about overcoming self-doubt.

self-doubt and the ego woman hiding

Over the past two and a half years, my life has changed drastically. I’ve moved across the country, started a new company, written a book, gotten engaged, and have become more and more in touch with myself than I have in my entire life.

Throughout all of the chaos, I’ve never felt more grounded. I’ve stepped into, well, I’ve stepped back home. I’ve grown into this part of me that has always existed, and I’m slowly learning to fully embrace her for the person that she is, the person that I am.

See, ever since I was a little kid, I remember being so in touch with how I’m feeling. There have been times that I could feel what was going to happen next, and these moments stick out to me so vividly. Like this one time, I was at an assembly in 3rd grade, and the man on stage was asking questions to the audience. I quickly turned to my friend and said, the next question is going to be, “What color is a flamingo?”

…and sure enough. That was his next question. Weird stuff, man.

Feelings of lingering doubt

Until recently, I’ve always thought it was just me. I didn’t know that the way that I could feel things so deeply was important, or that it could guide me to where I am today. I didn’t know that I could make a living helping others get in touch with their light inside or encourage other women to believe in their own self-worth.

Every so often, I’m challenged. Usually by people older than myself with a lot of wisdom and experience under their belts.

I get questions like:

“You’re so young, how can you know all that you know?” 

“Don’t mind me asking, but how old are you?” 

“Aren’t you a little young to know all of this?”

Self-doubt creeps in, and I begin to second guess every move I’ve made or planning on making. My ego quickly perks up at this new feeling of unworthiness, and the thoughts start to flood in.

Shit my ego says

“That book you wrote, it’s probably a bunch of fluff. You should probably listen to this person telling you that you’re too young. They’ve been through so much more than you, don’t you think they should be the one writing about boundaries?”

“You haven’t suffered enough to be helping others. People have been through so much worse than you, and they’re not trying to change the world.”

“You’re never going to be successful at what you do. Just throw in the towel already.”

…but I’m not stopping

I’ve come to accept that regardless of the situation, our self-doubt and pesky ego will always find a way to creep in, just to make sure we’re paying attention and see just how willing we are to keep forging ahead towards what we truly want.

Yes, it’s scary taking risks and putting yourself out there – but you know what’s scarier?

Never trying.

Never pushing.

Never challenging.

Never telling your ego to just shut up already.

My challenge to you

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, work in a corporate job, run your own business. Whether you’re single, married, divorced, or somewhere in between. Whether you’re swimming in cash or struggling to make ends meet.

My challenge to you is to just for one moment, not let your ego rule your situation. Instead, I want you to challenge your ego. To look it in the eye, to breathe deeply, and to ask it to please leave, as your ego-driven self-doubt isn’t going to get you to where you’re going.

Believing in yourself and taking risks will.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *